infantile autism
Noun: A rare but serious syndrome of childhood characterized by withdrawal and lack of social responsiveness or interest in others and serious linguistic deficits.
The term is used in clinical and psychological contexts to describe a specific, early-onset developmental disorder. It is a formal diagnostic label. - The study focused on early intervention strategies for children diagnosed with infantile autism. - Symptoms of infantile autism typically become apparent before the age of three.
- The term "infantile autism" is historically significant and was central to early descriptions of autism spectrum conditions. In contemporary diagnostic manuals, it is largely subsumed under the broader category of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).
- Its usage often appears in historical, legal, or specialized medical literature, and it may carry different connotations than more modern terminology.
- Autism (n): A neurodevelopmental condition characterized by challenges with social skills, repetitive behaviors, speech, and nonverbal communication. "Infantile autism" is a specific, early-onset form of autism.
- Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) (n): The current diagnostic term that encompasses a range of conditions previously described separately, including infantile autism.
- Kanner's Syndrome (n): A historical term sometimes used synonymously with infantile autism, named after psychiatrist Leo Kanner.
- Early infantile autism
- Kanner's autism (historical context)
There is considerable dispute among specialists concerning the precise definition, boundaries, and causes of infantile autism. The term itself is less commonly used in current clinical practice, having been largely replaced by the spectrum model of Autism Spectrum Disorder.
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a rare but serious syndrome of childhood characterized by withdrawal and lack of social responsiveness or interest in others and serious linguistic deficits
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there is considerable dispute among specialists concerning infantile autism
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